Beyonce and Jay Z "have had silent SEPARATIONS" amid cheating claims, says cousin Shanica Knowles

Beyonce 's cousin has claimed she and husband Jay Z have endured a number of "silent separations" over the years.

The singer's new album Lemonade prompted a lot of speculation the rapper had cheated on his wife - which lyrics seemingly referencing infidelity - and now actressShanica Knowles has opened up on the record and their relationship.

Speaking to heat magazine , she said: "Beyonce has been encouraged to write about the affair rumours to help her deal with it all and help her determine whether she could work through everything or have to end the marriage.

"This has been a long process and I've heard they've had to deal with silent separations and splits over the past few years, but Bey is praying this album will actually save her marriage."

Shanica appeared to hint that her cousin has had to deal with her man being unfaithful, claiming she has been furious but is "learning to forgive".

She added: "She's been through the intense anger and I think she's now learning to forgive Jay.

"The next few months are going to be the test - this is make or break for them - but he's determined to do everything she can to make it work."

Her comments come after Jay chose not to attend the annual Met Gala with his wife , despite the recent claims about their relationship.

Following the release of Beyonce's Lemonade, which included lyrics that seemed to allude to a partner's infidelity, the pair have been fighting rift rumours.

The rapper's absence from the red carpet on Monday night only added fuel to the fire, but according to an insider, there was no dramatic secret behind his decision.

"He's done it before,” a source told Us Weekly . "There's just no big reason for him to go."